Would you tell someone they had basal cell carcinoma?

If you walked past someone in the street and noticed they had a suspicious lesion on their face, would you tell them? I guess most doctors would like to think they would, but what if you’re in a country where there is poor access to healthcare, where medical treatment is only available to those who … … Continue reading →

Posted on: 20 July 2014 | 7:35 pm

Why do we shut away death?

I’m very lucky to have access to experiences which most people will never see.  As part of my training I have dissected bodies and observed postmortums, both of which teach students about essential anatomy. Whilst doing so they also give an invaluable insight into death, death is random and unpredictable, we all think we will … … Continue reading →

Posted on: 11 December 2012 | 7:39 pm

The Social Network: Does Zuckerberg’s character have Aspergers?

The Social Network is a film which portrays Mark Zuckerberg’s life as he creates Facebook and the subsequent lawsuits which followed.  Zuckerberg’s character is portrayed as someone who has issues with social interaction which raises questions about whether he has Aspergers syndrome. The portrayal of the main character is the reason viewers are so drawn in, Zuckerberg … … Continue reading →

Posted on: 1 January 2011 | 8:07 am

Why medical students don’t protest

Reading the thoughts of an NHS doctor who wrote about his disappointment that none of his medical students protested about a rise in student fees, I wasn’t at all surprised. With a fire extinguisher being hurled at policemen, a young man with cerebral palsy being pushed from his wheelchair and dragged across a street and … … Continue reading →

Posted on: 14 December 2010 | 5:28 pm

McDonalds to help write health policy

Burger chain McDonalds is to join forces with health experts to help write new policies on UK health as part of a plan to tackle obesity, alcohol and diet related diseases. Other companies are also in on the action such as: KFC (the makers of fried chicken), PepsiCo (who manufacture sugary drinks) and Unilever (who … … Continue reading →

Posted on: 12 November 2010 | 7:35 pm

Should a doctor be expected to paralyse a healthy man?

A Saudi judge has asked doctors if they would be willing to paralyse a man.  Putting a huge weight on doctors who are governed by the principal: “First do no harm”. The man concerned attacked and paralysed a 22-year-old man, he served just half of his 14 month jail term, the victims family asked for … … Continue reading →

Posted on: 20 August 2010 | 2:26 pm

Stilettos vs pain

Cosmetic foot surgery is dominating the news but is this type of surgery really that helpful? The “Cinderella procedure” is a preventative bunion operation popular at the Beverly Hills Aesthetic Foot Surgery.  More and more women are undergoing such operations in order to fit into a tiny pair of heels. Having grown up with congenital … … Continue reading →

Posted on: 29 July 2010 | 12:06 pm

Life saved by blinking eye

This week a documentary captured the moment that paralysed Richard Rudd told doctors he wanted to live by blinking his eyes. It halted a decision from his family to turn off the life support machine which was keeping him alive. Richard suffers from locked-in syndrome, he is awake and aware of his surroundings, but is … … Continue reading →

Posted on: 15 July 2010 | 5:15 am

UK best for end-of-life care

The UK has been ranked top for provision of end-of-life care in an index drawn up by the Economist Intelligence Unit. The index ranked 40 countries on their treatment of the dying and because of palliative care, hospices and the access to pain killers, the UK ended up at the top. Shockingly 8 per cent … … Continue reading →

Posted on: 15 July 2010 | 4:48 am

Fit notes instead of sick notes

GPs will be providing fit notes instead of sick notes to get staff back into work from April 6th. The new notes will state the duties a worker can carry out. It is then up to employers to accommodate the staff member so they can perform those parts of their job. The principal is that … … Continue reading →

Posted on: 12 July 2010 | 3:45 pm